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South African streaming service Showmax has started shooting its first original series, a mocumentary featuring Julia Anastasopoulos, well known for her alter ego SuzelleDIY.

Anastasopoulos stars as Tali, a self-obsessed Sandton princess who’s moved to Cape Town and has hired a documentary crew to film the build-up to her wedding to property agent fiancé Darren.

The series, Tali’s Wedding Diary, is co-created and directed by Ari Kruger, with whom Anastasopoulos has worked since 2014. Their comedy creation SuzelleDIY has now grown into a full-scale brand and business, and spawned a production company called Sketchbook Studios. As well SuzelleDIY, the company produces an array of new characters and online content. More than 70 Suzelle videos have been created, gaining almost 22 million YouTube views.

“When Ari and I first approached Showmax we knew we had a great concept but weren’t sure if they’d bite - getting backing for a production in South Africa can be tough. To their credit Showmax instantly bought into what we’re trying to do. This is exactly the kind of support the film industry in this country needs,” said Anastasopoulos.

“We’ve got world-class acting and production talent so it’s a huge boost to see a local company fund local productions,” she added.

The eight-part series will premiere on on-demand on Showmax in December. Meanwhile, production has also begun on a crime and corruption drama series called iNumber Number, an original co-production from Showmax and Mzansi Magic. It is based on the 2013 movie of the same name.